Airway Management in Prolonged Field Care

Collin Dye, Sean Keenan, Brandon M Carius, Paul E Loos, Michael A Remley, Brandon Mendes, Jacob L Arnold, Ian May, Douglas Powell, Joshua M Tobin, Jamie C Riesberg, Stacy A Shackelford

J Spec Oper Med. Fall 2020;20(3):141-156.

This Role 1, prolonged field care (PFC) clinical practice guideline (CPG) is intended to be used after Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Guidelines, when evacuation to higher level of care is not immediately possible. A provider must first and foremost be an expert in TCCC, the Department of Defense standard of care for first responders. The intent of this PFC CPG is to provide evidence and experience-based solutions to those who manage airways in an austere environment. An emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools and adjuncts most familiar to a Role 1 provider. The PFC capability of airway is addressed to reflect the reality of managing an airway in a Role 1 resource-constrained environment. A separate Joint Trauma System CPG will address mechanical ventilation. This PFC CPG also introduces an acronym to assist providers and their teams in preparing for advanced procedures, to include airway management.